Summary
Rick Riordan's The Red Pyramid launched the bestselling Kane Chronicles trilogy in 2010, bringing ancient Egyptian mythology to life for a new generation of readers. As the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Percy Jackson series, Riordan once again demonstrated his mastery of blending mythology, adventure, and humor. The novel introduces siblings Carter and Sadie Kane as they discover their connection to ancient Egyptian gods and magic.
Told from alternating perspectives of Carter and Sadie, The Red Pyramid offers a thrilling mix of action, wit, and educational content. Riordan's trademark style shines through with relatable heroes, dangerous quests, and a perfect balance of tension and levity. The book received critical acclaim for its pacing, world-building, and ability to make ancient mythology accessible and exciting for middle-grade readers.
While The Red Pyramid has not yet seen a major screen adaptation, that is set to change. In 2020, Netflix announced plans to adapt the Kane Chronicles trilogy into feature films, with Riordan attached as a producer. This upcoming adaptation promises to bring the magical world of Egyptian gods and modern-day magicians to an even wider audience, potentially rivaling the success of Riordan's Percy Jackson adaptations.
Plot
Carter and Sadie Kane, siblings who have grown apart after their mother's death, are reunited by their father for a “research experiment” at the British Museum. However, the experiment goes awry when their father accidentally releases several Egyptian gods, including the evil Set, who banishes him. Carter and Sadie are forced to flee, discovering that they are descended from ancient Egyptian pharaohs and magicians.
The siblings learn that they are hosts to the gods Horus and Isis, respectively, granting them magical abilities. With the help of their uncle Amos and Sadie's cat Muffin (who is actually the goddess Bast), they escape to Cairo to train in magic. However, they soon find themselves pursued by both Set's minions and other magicians who view their connection to the gods as illegal and dangerous.
Carter and Sadie embark on a perilous journey across the globe to gather the ingredients for a spell that can defeat Set. Along the way, they encounter various mythological creatures and gods, face numerous challenges, and uncover secrets about their family's past. They also meet Zia Rashid, a young magician who becomes an ally in their quest.
In a climactic battle in Set's lair in Arizona, Carter and Sadie confront the god of chaos. They manage to subdue Set but realize that an even greater threat, the chaos snake Apophis, is behind Set's actions. After parting ways with Horus and Isis, the siblings return to Brooklyn, planning to recruit other magicians to study the path of the gods and prepare for future challenges. They also learn that their father has become the host of Osiris in the underworld, creating a bittersweet reunion with their deceased parents.
Themes
Family bonds and reconciliation
Discovery of hidden heritage and powers
Balance between chaos and order
Coming of age and self-discovery
Clash between ancient mythology and modern world
Sacrifice and heroism
Sibling cooperation and rivalry
Setting
The Red Pyramid takes place in the modern era, primarily in the early 21st century. While the exact year is not specified, the contemporary setting is evident from the characters' use of technology and references to current events. This modern backdrop provides an intriguing contrast to the ancient Egyptian mythology that forms the core of the narrative.
Geographically, the novel spans multiple locations across the globe. Key settings include London, where Sadie Kane lives with her grandparents, and various cities in the United States, such as New York and Phoenix. The story also takes the protagonists to Egypt, specifically Cairo, where they receive magical training. This international scope reflects the global nature of the Kane family's adventures and the far-reaching influence of Egyptian mythology in the story's world.
Within these broader locations, several specific places play crucial roles in the plot. The British Museum in London serves as the site of a pivotal magical ritual that sets the main events in motion. The Kane family's mansion in Brooklyn becomes a safe haven and base of operations for the siblings. In Egypt, the characters visit ancient sites like the Pyramids of Giza, seamlessly blending real-world landmarks with the magical elements of the story.
Characters
Carter Kane: 14-year-old son of Julius and Ruby Kane. He has dark skin, curly brown hair, and brown eyes. Carter is a descendant of ancient Egyptian pharaohs and becomes the host of Horus, the war god. He specializes in combat magic and wields a khopesh sword.
Sadie Kane: 12-year-old daughter of Julius and Ruby Kane, Carter's sister. She has lighter skin, blue eyes, and caramel-colored hair. Sadie is bold and reckless, often teasing her brother. She becomes the host of Isis, the goddess of magic.
Julius Kane: Father of Carter and Sadie, an Egyptologist and secret magician. He attempts to summon Osiris but is captured by Set. Julius later becomes the host of Osiris in the Underworld.
Amos Kane: Julius Kane's brother and protector of Carter and Sadie. He is an Egyptian magician who helps the siblings understand their magical heritage.
Zia Rashid: An Egyptian magician who becomes the host of Nephthys. She assists Carter and Sadie in their quest and develops a connection with Carter.
Bast: The Egyptian goddess of cats who protects the Kane children. She initially appears disguised as Sadie's cat Muffin.
Set: The Egyptian god of evil and chaos. He is the main antagonist of the novel, attempting to take over the world.
Horus: The Egyptian god of war who possesses Carter. He aids the siblings in their fight against Set.
Isis: The Egyptian goddess of magic who possesses Sadie. She provides magical knowledge to help defeat Set.
Thoth: The Egyptian god of knowledge who assists Carter and Sadie on their quest.
Anubis: The Egyptian god of funerals who appears briefly in the story.
Iskandar: The former head of the House of Life, a secret order of Egyptian magicians.
Michel Desjardins: The new head of the House of Life who initially opposes Carter and Sadie's actions.
Quick facts
The Red Pyramid is the first book in The Kane Chronicles trilogy, which focuses on Egyptian mythology.
The story is narrated alternately by the two main characters, siblings Carter and Sadie Kane.
Riordan was inspired to write about Egyptian mythology after realizing it was the only ancient history subject more popular than Greek mythology among students.
The characters of Carter and Sadie were inspired by two multiracial siblings Riordan taught as a teacher.
The book had an initial print run of one million copies when it was released in 2010.
It has been translated into 19 different languages.
A graphic novel adaptation illustrated by Orpheus Collar was published in 2012.
The audiobook version is narrated by Katherine Kellgren and Kevin R. Free.
The novel was shortlisted for the 2011 Red House Children's Book Award.
Netflix is adapting the Kane Chronicles trilogy into feature films, with Riordan attached as a producer.
About the Author
Rick Riordan is a bestselling American author best known for his Percy Jackson series and other young adult novels based on mythology. Born in 1964 in San Antonio, Texas, Riordan began his career as an English and history teacher before transitioning to writing full-time. His breakout success came with The Lightning Thief, the first book in the Percy Jackson & the Olympians series, published in 2005.
Riordan's works skillfully blend modern settings with ancient mythologies, making them accessible and engaging for young readers. His major series include Percy Jackson & the Olympians, The Heroes of Olympus, The Kane Chronicles, and Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard. These books have been translated into over 40 languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide, cementing Riordan's status as a titan in children's literature.
Beyond his mythology-based series, Riordan has also written mystery novels for adults and contributed to collaborative projects like The 39 Clues. He has received numerous awards for his writing, including the Mark Twain Award and the Rebecca Caudill Award. In recent years, Riordan has expanded his influence by launching an imprint called “Rick Riordan Presents,” which publishes diverse, mythology-based fiction by emerging authors.
Riordan's impact extends beyond books, with his works adapted into films and, more recently, a television series on Disney+. He actively participates in the TV adaptation as a co-creator and executive producer, ensuring a faithful representation of his beloved characters. Riordan currently resides in Boston with his wife, continuing to captivate readers with his imaginative storytelling and modern takes on ancient myths.
